MPs pledge to cut single-use plastic in their daily lives

The UK Government has today launched consultations to overhaul the waste system, cut plastic pollution and move towards a circular economy.

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MPs have announced that they are pledging to cut their own use of single-use plastics in hope of leading by example in fighting marine pollution.

Sky is getting MPs to sign-up to its #PassOnPlastic campaign that aims to reduce the quantity of single-use plastics in the ocean. Some of the items in their pledge including plastic straws and plastic cutlery.

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The commitment is in support of Sky’s Ocean Rescue Campaign.

Talking to Sky news, Environment Secretary Michael Gove, who has backed this pledge, said: “Plastic has no place in our oceans, and I wholeheartedly support the work Sky’s Ocean Rescue campaign has done to put this issue in the hearts and minds of the public.

“We have already introduced one of the world’s toughest bans on microbeads and removed nine billion carrier bags from circulation, and through our ambitious 25-year plan for the environment I am determined we further crack down on the scourge of plastic choking our oceans.”

The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow said: “I am delighted to support Sky Ocean Rescue and I welcome the move by MPs to reduce their single-use plastic consumption to protect our oceans.

“This is a critical environmental issue and I hope we will be able to further reduce single-use plastic waste throughout the Palace of Westminster in the future.”

According to Sky, more than a million disposable coffee cups and lids were used by the House of Commons last year, which has led to calls for Parliament to get this issue under control.

Sky also revealed that a committee of MPs are currently reviewing the use of disposable plastics in the House of Commons and is expected to publish a report next month.